The Royal College of Music and Ensemble Emigre are to stage a special concert with music composed on the Isle of Man.

This event will present music written by German and Austrian refugees in the Second World War internment camps on the island to cheer up themselves and their British hosts alike.

The bilingual revue ’What a Life!’ by Hans Gál, a moving and humorous piece of musical theatre inspired by real life in the camps, was performed to enthusiastic audiences in the Palace Theatre in Douglas in 1940 and can now be heard here again for the first time.

talent

Made up of professional soloists and some of the brightest talent from the Royal College of Music, the group of 12 singers and instrumentalists led by German tenor Norbert Meyn also presents chamber music that evokes the beauty of the Manx countryside, including ’Mooragh’ by Ramsey internee Peter Gellhorn and Manx Dance Tunes arranged by WH Gill, as well as popular Isle of Man tunes like I’m a Native of Peel and Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly.

The first performancesisare on Tuesday, May 16, 7.30pm, at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin. Admission in £10, £2 for under-17s.

Call 832662 to book

On Wednesday, May 17, the perfomance will be at the Studio Theatre in Ballakermeen High School.

Admission £12 (concessions £10, £5 under 16).

To get a ticket, book through Villa Marina 600555 or online at https://www.thestudiotheatre.im/what-a-life-music-from-the-isle-of-man

The ensemble will be joined by talented students from the Isle of Man for this performance.

Refreshments available for a donation.

This project is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Vannin and the Malcolm Scott Dickinson Charitable Trust.